The military in Myanmar has announced that all young men and women are now required to participate in mandatory military service, according to state media on Saturday. This decision comes as the military struggles to suppress armed rebel forces seeking greater autonomy in different parts of the country.
Under the new policy, all men between the ages of 18 and 35, as well as women between the ages of 18 and 27, must serve for a period of up to two years. Specialists such as doctors, who are up to 45 years old, are required to serve for three years. The duration of service can be extended to a total of five years during the ongoing state of emergency, as per state media.
Chaos has engulfed Myanmar ever since the military seized power from an elected government in a coup in 2021. In recent months, the Tatmadaw, as the military is known, has suffered casualties while combating a coordinated offensive by an alliance of three ethnic minority insurgent groups, in addition to allied pro-democracy fighters who have taken up arms against the junta.
This is the most significant challenge the military has encountered since it first assumed power in the former British colony in 1962. Analysts have suggested that the Tatmadaw is struggling to recruit soldiers and has resorted to compelling non-combat personnel to the frontlines.
“The duty to safeguard and defend the nation extends beyond just the soldiers but to all citizens. So I want to tell everyone to proudly follow this people’s military service law,” stated junta spokesman Zaw Min Tun in an address to state media.
Although a law mandating conscription was introduced in 2010, it had not been enforced until now. According to the legislation, individuals who fail to adhere to the draft may face imprisonment for a period of up to five years.
(Reporting by Reuters staff, editing by Deepa Babington)
